Microbicides 2004 Microbicides 200428-31 March 2004, Hilton London MetropoleThe conference42 million men, women and children worldwide were living with HIV by the end of December 2002 (source: UNAIDS), including five million newly-infected during that year alone. Another 45 million people will become infected between 2002 and 2010, unless the current transmission rates can be vastly reduced. Of the 42 million, 29.4 million live in sub-Saharan Africa and 58% of them are women. Not only are women more susceptible to HIV infection, many are powerless to insist on the use of condoms or other methods of protecting themselves. In this context, and with the knowledge that an effective HIV vaccine is unlikely to be available for several years, the need for an effective topical microbicide grows ever more urgent. 2004 should prove to be a landmark year in the field of microbicide development as the first Phase III trials of novel products are due to start – the next step along the road to making a microbicide available to the millions worldwide in desperate need of protection.The aims of the Microbicides 2004 conference are to:Report novel or innovative work in the microbicides fieldProvide updates on recent microbicides research, divided into three tracks: basic science, clinical science, and behavioural science (including public health and the microbicide marketplace)Provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in microbicide research including ethical, clinical, behavioural and methodological issuesPresent opportunities for knowledge-sharing between microbicide researchers, public-health workers and advocacy organisations.There will be an opening ceremony on the evening of Sunday 28 March at which politicians, policy makers and the international media are expected. The conference will run for a full three days, each of which will contain:Scientific overviews and presentations with plenary sessions, invited lecturers and presentations of original researchWorkshops to review issues unique to microbicides such as trial design and outcome measures, and ethical issues in the clinical trials of microbicidesPoster sessions. Focus on LondonFollowing the successful Microbicides conferences in Washington in 2000 and Antwerp in 2002, March 2004 sees the focus move to London.The venue is the Hilton Metropole Hotel, two minutes by taxi from Paddington station and the Heathrow Express, with a journey time from the airport of 15 minutes. The hotel is in walking distance of Hyde Park and London’s main shopping streets, and close to Imperial College. Accommodation will be available at the venue and other hotels in the vicinity.London in March offers a variety of diversions for out-of-conference relaxation, including sight-seeing and shopping; the arts and the theatre; and pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit every taste. Conference staff will be on hand to help delegates plan their spare time.To book your place or find out more information, e-mail info@microbicides2004.org.uk or telephone the Event Office on +44 (0) 20 7720 4411
Oral: invited speaker Oral: Track A Oral: Track B Oral: Track C Poster: Track A Poster: Track B Poster: Track C Abstract only Authors

02641 SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG A COHORT OF FEMALES IN A MICROBICIDE FEASIBILITY STUDY

Ndlovu, Hlengiwe
McGrath, N., Moodley, P.*, Karim, F.*, Sturm, Wa.*
Africa Centre For Health and Population Studies, Somkhele, S. Africa; *Dept of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, S. Africa; MRC/DfID Microbicides Developement Programme

Background: Women in a Microbicide Trial will need to be free from genital ulcers, and treated for any other STIs, at enrollment. Objective: To assess the prevalence of STIs among sexually active women attending FP and immunization clinics, who are in a microbicide feasibility study in rural KZN. Methods: After establishing reported symptoms of STIs, the vulva was inspected, followed by pelvic examination during which cervical and vaginal swabs were collected. Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis infections were diagnosed by a strand displacement assay (ProbeTech BD ®). An in-house PCR was used for Trichomonas vaginalis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was defined as a Nugent Gram stain score >=7 in the absence of other cervico-vaginal pathogens. Syphilis was diagnosed with a RPR > 1:8 and a positive TPHA. Women with signs and symptoms of STI’s were treated syndromically; others were treated on follow-up based on laboratory results. Results: STI results are available for 93 participants so far. No genital ulcers were observed. The overall prevalence of STIs was 18% if BV was excluded and 62% if BV was included. Of the 58 women with infection and/or abnormal vaginal flora, 35 (60%) were asymptomatic. Of the 27 women who were observed to have abnormal vaginal discharge, 19 (70%) were infected and 17 (63%) had BV. N.gonorrhoeae, C.trachomatis and T.vaginalis infection was diagnosed in 3, 3 and 11 (12%) women respectively. BV was found in 51 (55%) and 2 had syphilis. None of the women with syphilis had an ulcer or signs of secondary syphilis. Dual infections were found in 2 women. Only 11 of the 23 symptomatic women had an abnormal discharge. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs and BV in this population is high and many women are or perceive themselves to be asymptomatic.

Hlengiwe Ndlovu
PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KZN 3935, S. Africa
(Telephone) +27 35 550 7655 (Fax) +27 35 550 7565 (E-mail) hndlovu@mrc.ac.za